Youth group calls fathers to step up

ement (BDYM) has launched a city-wide campaign to share information, and register volunteers and participants for its upcoming Million Father March.

The Detroit 2009 Million Father March is an initiative that encourages fathers to take their child or children to the first day of school. The march will start at 9 a.m., on Sept. 5 at the Spirit of Detroit on Woodward Avenue.

Following the march, a rally will be held at Southeastern Village located at 1501 Canton Street.

“We want this event to be the biggest in Detroit his tory so we can help as many of our children as possible. But to do that, we need to get the entire city involved,” said Harlan Bivens, a BDYM co-director.

“That’s why it’s so important to have as many churches, schools and community groups be a part of this initiative. Specifically, we need volunteers to help organize an event of this scale and the financial support of business and corporate sponsors who want to contribute to a great cause.”

Bivens said he wants every man in the city to register for the march and pledge to take a child to school on the first day.

“This event will be used to increase community, parent and student involvement throughout the school year so that we see more A’s on more report cards the last day of school,” he added. The BDYM is a volunteer-driven, non-profit coalition dedicated to improving the quality of life and learning for Detroit children and teens.

Past BDYM events have included Live In Peace Art Parties, the March For Detroit Youth and The Motor City YouthFest.

The BDYM holds weekly meetings and has grown to a volunteer base of more than 150 Detroiters.

“We’re rounding up a lot of good souls who believe in the promise and progress of our city’s children. And if we continue to bring more positive people to the table, we will create a better and brighter future for Detroit,” Bivens concluded.